July 2022 DSW - God's Freedom

 In America, we commemorate this country's freedom from England every July fourth.  We celebrate with outside barbecues with family and friends, and fireworks.  But did you know the Bible is filled with great verses about freedom? Christians have freedom from sin and darkness when we follow Christ.  It is because of both physical and spiritual sacrifice and battles that we can experience this gift of freedom.

Here are some verses about that freedom that God provides when we give our lives to His Lordship and direction.  Feel free to print out the photo you see below (it has been formatted for a half-sheet of paper) and keep it with your Scripture writing materials or copy the verses below the picture and paste them into a document of your choice.  I do hope you will be encouraged.

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July 2022 - Daily Scripture Writing

God’s Freedom
 
Psalm 34:4
Psalm 119:45
Isaiah 61:1
Matthew 4:24
Matthew 8:16
 
Luke 4:18-19
John 8:34-36
John 10:9-10
Acts 13:38-39
Romans 5:17
 
Romans 6:6-7
Romans 6:22
Romans 8:1-4
Romans 8:14-15
Romans 12:2
 
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Galatians 1:10
Galatians 2:16
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 5:1
 
Galatians 5:13-14
Galatians 6:14
Ephesians 1:7
Ephesians 3:11-12
Colossians 1:21-22
 
1 Peter 2:16
 
 
 

At the Moment of Salvation #10 #11

    ...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; or with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  Romans 10:9-10

At the moment of salvation, every believer in Jesus Christ receives 40 things from God. Of the 40 things, 39 of them are permanent and can never be removed from the believer - even by God himself! The only temporary thing is the Filling of the Holy Spirit which we lose due to our own free will to act against God. We can repeatedly gain the Filling of the Spirit following confession of our known sins to the Father.

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10. Forgiveness

At the moment of salvation, we are granted total forgiveness of the past by God the Father. This means that all "soul cauterization" or "scar tissue" is removed. The soul is clean and ready to learn and utilize the assets of the Christian life through the intake of Bible doctrine. Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 44:22; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7)

In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:14)

11. Removal of Condemnation

At the moment of salvation, the sentence of condemnation is removed by God the Father. Our salvation provides freedom from the condemnation and wrath of the Justice of God. The sharing of the final destiny of Satan and all the fallen angels is therefore eliminated. John 3:18; Romans 8:1-3

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (John 3:18)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, (Romans 8:1-3)

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Staying Salty: 40 Things (saltedstudy.blogspot.com)

 

All The Bible Projects

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.  Acts 17:11

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

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I've said I am a List Maker, like my mom. I've kept many lists and here is one more:  

All The Bible Projects.

This is a running list of study projects I hear about from many sources that sound interesting to me.  For a while I was writing them down on any sticky note within reach.  But during Project Sticky Note --when I spent a lot of time and sorted through my mountains of sticky notes on every subject imaginable and put them in more manageable piles and created A5 binders to contain the information (see more at This Post) -- I realized I had a pile of notes for studies I wanted to do.  I finally made a master list of the studies and then recently I divided them up further to studies in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and general Bible, as you can see in the above picture.  

And you can see that I have marked off the studies that I have done (or am working on) and have put into my Bible Reference Binder.   I know I have finished others so I need to update the list.  I am certain that some studies will never be really finished and that is the #BibleNerd in me.  That list of kings and prophets I want to do?  That is going to be a massive timeline sort of project with names, dates, important battles, cross references, and whatever else I can find.  It is just the sort of study for this #BibleNerd and I need to quit thinking and planning it it and start to get the information down on paper.

Oh yes, I have another pile of sticky notes with study ideas that I need to write on there.  The Bible is full of interesting facts and I know I'll never tire of studying the great majesty and mystery of our Heavenly Father.  

Tell me what you're studying!  I'd be happy to answer any questions.  :)

How Great Thou Art

 "Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name, because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing."  Isaiah 40:26

How Great Thou Art

Carl Boberg (1859-1940)
Translated by Stuart K Hine (1899-1989)
Copyright © 1953, renewed 1981 by Manna Music, Inc., 35255 Brooten Rd., Pacific City, Or 97135. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Outside USA: Copyright © 1953 Stuart K. Hine/Kingsway's Thankyou Music, P.O. Box 75, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 6NM, UK.

O Lord my God!  When I in awesome wonder
consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee:

how great Thou art!  How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee;

how great Thou art! How great Thou art!

When through the words and forest glades I wander

and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze,

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,

sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin,

When Christ shall come with shout of acclimation

and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration

and there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

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Although this hymn is often associated with the crusades of Billy Graham, it originated in nineteenth-century Europe.  In 1886 Swedish pastor Carl Boberg was caught in a sudden thunderstorm whilst visiting a beautiful country estate.  As the storm passed, giving way to the sweet songs of birds and a green countryside glistening in sunlight, Boberg composed the nine original stanzas of this hymn.

In time the hymn was translated into German and Russian.  It was noticed by a British missionary who was serving in the Ukraine.  That missionary, Reverend Stuart K. Hine, often sang the song with his wife as they ministered there.  Later they translated three stanzas into English from the Russian and Hine himself added a fourth.

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George Beverly Shea: How Great Thou Art [Live], 1957. - YouTube (That choir! That piano!) #SomedayInHeaven 

How Great Thou Art | Hymnary.org

"How Great Thou Art" - Handbell Choir Ensemble - YouTube  (The bells! The chimes! I've played in quite a few handbell choirs.)

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.  Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.  1 Timothy 1:15-17

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Walter Chalmers Smith (1827-1908)

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might.

They justice like mountains high soaring above

Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;

in all life Thou livest, the true life of all.

We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,

and wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,

Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight.

All praise we would render: O help us to see

'tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.

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The great British hymnologist Erik Routley calls this hymn "full of plump polysyllables."  The hymn was inspired by the apostle Paul's words to young Timothy: "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever" (1 Timothy 1:17, KJV).  The writer of this hymn, Walter Chalmers Smith, was a pastor in the Free Church of Scotland for forty-four years (1850-1894).  Smith wrote many hymns, but this is the only one still in use today.  In our day of casual Christianity and almost flippant prayer, we desperately need to catch glimpses of God's unspeakable character.  In these wonderful stanzas, we who "wither and perish" come face-to-face with or immortal, invisible, unchanging God.  And amazingly, this great God, whom even polysyllables cannot describe, loves us dearly.

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Immortal, invisible, God only wise Hymn (+lyrics) - Westminster Abbey Commonwealth Day Service 2020 - YouTube

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise - Steve Green - Lyrics - YouTube

Walter C. Smith | Hymnary.org

Walter Chalmers Smith - Wikipedia

ST. DENIO | Hymnary.org

Ancient of Days

 I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow and the hair of His head like pure wool.  His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire.

A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; the court sat, and the books were opened.

Daniel 7:9-10

Ancient of Days
William Croswell Doane (1832-1913)

Ancient of Days, who sittest throned in glory,

to Thee all knees are bent, all voices pray;
Thy love has blessed the wide world's wondrous story
with light and life since Eden's dawning day.

O holy Father. who has led Thy children
in all the ages with fire and cloud,

through seas dryshod, through weary wastes bewildering,

to Thee in reverent love our hearts are bowed.

O holy Jesus, Prince of Peace and Savior,

to Thee we owe the peace that still prevails,

stilling the rude wills of men's wild behavior,

and calming passion's fierce and stormy gales.

O Holy Ghost, the Lord and the Life giver,

Thine is the quickening power that gives increase:

from Thee have flowed, as from a mighty river,

our faith and hope, our fellowship and peace.

O Triune God, with heart and voice adoring,

praise we the goodness that doth crown our days;

pray we that Thou wilt hear us, still imploring

Thy love and favor, kept to us always.

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In 1886, the city of Albany, New York, was celebrating its bicentennial.  Episcopal bishop William Croswell Doane wrote this hymn for the occasion, and J. Albert Jeffery, who was in charge of music at St. Agnes School and the recently completed All Saints Cathedral, wrote the music.  That new cathedral was the setting for the hymn's introduction, and Bishop Doane himself conducted the singing.  It was a memorable day in Albany, as it celebrated its own "ancient days."

But the hymn draws our attention father back, to the majesty of the triune God who existed before all time began.  In stanza one, we see the Ancient of Days, in stanza two the Father who leads us through the wilderness, in stanza three the Son who calms the storms, in stanza four the Holy Spirit who gives life and hope, and in stanza five the triune God who answers our prayers and sustains us day by day.  In all these ways, our great God deserves our praise.  What a wonderful God we serve!

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Ancient of Days, Who Sittest Throned in Glory (Ancient of Days) - YouTube [hymn page and piano]

Ancient of Days [Acoustic] - Shane & Shane - YouTube  A different version by Shane & Shane

Ancient of Days (Live) - Ron Kenoly - YouTube  Another rendition with Ron Kenoly.  I've sung this version just like they do here; it was awesome night of praise!  Get your worship on!

William Croswell Doane - Wikipedia

William Croswell Doane | Hymnary.org

At the Moment of Salvation #7 #8 #9

   ...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; or with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  Romans 10:9-10

There is a lot of information in this list (and I haven't taken it all in or deeply studied it yet) so don't worry if you don't understand it all.  Just take little bites and keep studying.  I have printed these 40 Things onto half sheets of paper to keep in my A5 Bible Reference binder.

If you have questions about becoming a believer, please comment to me and I will do my best to point you in the right direction.  Or, find a Christian you know to ask them about it, or go to a trusted pastor. 

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At the moment of salvation, every believer in Jesus Christ receives 40 things from God. Of the 40 things, 39 of them are permanent and can never be removed from the believer - even by God himself! The only temporary thing is the Filling of the Holy Spirit which we lose due to our own free will to act against God. We can repeatedly gain the Filling of the Spirit following confession of our known sins to the Father.

7. Propitiation

We are guaranteed mercy, or "more grace." This is because the just demands of the Holiness of God the Father were satisfied (propitiated) by the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross and we enjoy the benefits of that propitiation.

The doctrine of Propitiation informs us that sin must be dealt with before mercy (grace in action) can be manifested. In your life as a Christian, the Lord can only be satisfied with your service and good works if they are produced from the filling of the Holy Spirit and the application of Bible teachings. Exodus 25:17-22, Hebrews 9:4, 1 John 2:2

"Make an atonement cover of pure gold--two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. (Exodus 25:17-22)

Which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. (Hebrews 9:4)

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)

8. Reconciliation

We are reconciled by God the Father because of the removal of the sin barrier between man and God by the cross. This work of Christ guarantees our eternal access to God. This "spanning of the great gap" between man and God by the person and work of Christ on the cross provides the basis of our eternal relationship with God. Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Romans 5:10)

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

9. Redemption

Faith in Christ as Savior means personal deliverance or redemption from the "slave market of sin." 1 Peter 1:18-19

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

 

Holy, Holy, Holy

And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come."

And when the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 

the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

 
"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." 

 Revelation 4:8-11

Holy, Holy, Holy
Reginald Heber (1783-1826)

Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy--there is none beside Thee,
perfect in pow'r, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!
All Thy words shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

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Reginald Heber was always trying to improve the music at the Anglican church he served in Hodnet, England.  Though his superiors frowned on the use of anything but metrical psalms, Heber introduced hymns by Newton and Cowper and even wrote new hymns of his own.  This one would impress Alfred, Lord Tennyson as the world's greatest hymn.

After serving sixteen years as a parish priest in England, Heber accepted the call to become the bishop of Calcutta, India.  Whether in England, as he surveyed the prevalence of vice, or in India, where he was surrounded by the worship of false gods, Heber was impressed with the holiness of God.  "Only Thou art holy," he wrote.  The tune to which this hymn is usually sung is called "Nicaea," named after the church council that met in 325 AD which formulated the Nicene Creed and affirmed the doctrine of the Trinity.

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Holy, Holy, Holy - YouTube  [a cappella men's chorus]

Holy, Holy, Holy! - YouTube  [choir, orchestra, the works]

More about Reginald Heber
Reginald Heber - Wikipedia
Reginald Heber | Hymnary.org

About the tune: NICAEA (Dykes) | Hymnary.org (a long (mostly ads) but informative article!)